My 180 sprang a leak...

[Orthopod]

I have a custom 180 that I picked up used 2 years ago that just sprang a leak. Came home to find a fair amount of water on the floor, but able to transfer the fish and get the water out with moderate pain.

For resealing, I cut off the sealant and was going to reseal it but I am wondering the the back pain of glass has bowed ever so slightly. Can I fill that small gap with sealant?

Also, any suggestions on resealing would be appreciated. I have read a few of the blogs on it but the tank has some unusual features in that the bottom inside edges are lined with long 3-4 inch glass pieces as below. (removing them seems nearly impossible) Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[bomber]

Was this custom tank made by a local company or did you make it yourself?

 

[Orthopod]

By a company, the front has no seam and is bowed glass all the way to the back. You can see it on the picture. Any thoughts?

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I have no actual experience repairing bowed tank so bear that in mind. You have a leak and not a major failure or crack. The extra glass in the photo may be some sort of bracing used by the manufacutrer. It should not be an issue and i would try to seal the tank without trying to remove it. Glass panes siliconed on the flat sides can be adheared very strongly and the odds of breaking something should be high if you try to seperate them.
Follow the instructions about sealing a tank. Cut the old silicone from the seams on the inside of the tank and replace that with new beads of silicone all at the same time.
Can you contact the company for advice?

 

[bomber]

First I would call that company and see if its under any warranty. If it is not, its not the end of the world.
Well Trial and error with resealing your tank is the next step if the first one fails. Cut off all the silicone you see from that bottom row. Use GE 2 silicone from your hardware store/walmart. Just like caulk if you ever used a gun before. After you shoot the silicone in the corners(all the way around), spread it evenly with a plastic spoon or your finger(wrapped in a sandwich bag).

This is how I reseal tanks. But I am sure there are many other ways to do this.

After all is resealed, test it by filling it up with water. Hope this helps.

 

[skjl47]

First I would call that company and see if its under any warranty. If it is not, its not the end of the world.
Well Trial and error with resealing your tank is the next step if the first one fails. Cut off all the silicone you see from that bottom row. Use GE 2 silicone from your hardware store/walmart. Just like caulk if you ever used a gun before. After you shoot the silicone in the corners(all the way around), spread it evenly with a plastic spoon or your finger(wrapped in a sandwich bag).

This is how I reseal tanks. But I am sure there are many other ways to do this.

Hello; Are you sure about this ? I recall seeing several posts saying silicone II has mold inhibitors or other additives that are bad for fish. I have thought that silicone I is the proper one to use on an aquarium?

 

[bomber]

Hello; Are you sure about this ? I recall seeing several posts saying silicone II has mold inhibitors or other additives that are bad for fish. I have thought that silicone I is the proper one to use on an aquarium?

If you recall seeing SEVERAL POSTS about this, search for it and then post it. Dont just type of out your arse.

 

[notho2000]

If you recall seeing SEVERAL POSTS about this, search for it and then post it. Dont just type of out your arse.

If you were talking face to face with skjl47, would you have said this? Ah yes, the "anonimity" of the internet.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Here are four posts found in a brief search with only the word silicone. I imagine there are many more. I was trying to help the Op avoid a mistake not cause a problem on the forum. I tried to prase it as a question so as to give you some leeway. Your response was rude and insulting without cause.
GE 1 Window and Door. Do not use bath and tile
GE type one without mildew resistance. It should say that it's safe for food contact surfaces.
It will hold under the pressure. Keep in mind that it's only a sealer and isnt intended to hold the entire thing together.
Silicone I is what you want -it's 100% silicone. Silicone II and anything with anti mildew properties are potentially toxic. The cheapest source i've found is at Walmart.
Yup, that's the right stuff. I have straight up tubes and tubes of it on my 3D background installs and have had 0 issues. I tried GE II and it almost killed all my fish. After letting it leach for almost six months without fish it's fine now. Learn from my mistakes.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; To the OP, I believe you will want silicone I or one labeled for aquarium use. Do some searching to be sure. Perhaps a few members will respond to the question of the type of silicone to use.